Beets frontman offers up strong solo debut

N.A.P. is the first solo album from Juan Wauters, first on the scene in 2006 with his folk punk band, The Beets – the first band to start the Captured Tracks label. The Wauters family came to America from Uruguay, Juan as a teenager not knowing any English. Working with his father at a picture frame shop to help earn money for his family, he later managed to become a full time musician, although currently couch surfing to make it happen. N.A.P captures Juan’s journey in the way of older generations like The Buena Vista Social Club. His music is laced with a raw tirelessness and honesty many current musicians do not know. His Uruguayan culture sewn through every song whether it be from the Spanish lyrics or the vibrant composition of his South American roots, singing of his observations of the people and things around him to include his close knit family and friends. The lyrics are reminiscent of Daniel Johnston ‰ÛÒ speaking from a place of unabashed thought ‰ÛÒ a welcome and refreshing outpouring. For example “Woke Up Feeling Like Sleeping‰” talks of his simple daily unrest interrupted by a natural conversation in Spanish in the background – while you may not understand what they are saying, you want to be a part of the conversation.

RIYL: Daniel Johnston, Buena Vista Social Club, Devendra Banhart, The Yardbirds, The Cleaners From Venus, Joao Gilberto
Recommended Tracks: 1-5, 8-10, 12